A Guide to Sciatica Pain Treatment in Singapore

Experiencing a shooting pain down your leg can be alarming and debilitating. The pain can disrupt your daily activities and you may not be sure of the cause and the steps to address it.

You may be dealing with sciatica if you’re struggling with these symptoms. Understanding what sciatica is and what your treatment options are can help you take control of your health and find relief. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about sciatica pain treatment in Singapore.

What is sciatica?

Sciatica is a condition that presents with pain that spreads along the sciatic nerve path, which runs from the lower back through the hips and rear, and down each leg.
Usually, sciatica affects only one side of the body. It is not a diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying medical condition involving the sciatic nerve.

What are the causes of sciatica?

Sciatica is the result of a compressed and irritated nerve. The most common causes include:

• Herniated discs: A spinal condition when a disc in the spine protrudes and presses on the sciatic nerve.
• Spinal stenosis: The spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: A condition brought on by prolonged wear and tear of the spinal discs.
• Spondylolisthesis: This condition characterised by the slipping of a vertebra over another.
• Piriformis syndrome: This condition is brought on by spasms of the piriformis muscle in the buttocks, triggering the sciatic nerve.
• Injuries: Traumatic injuries caused by car accidents or falls.

What are the symptoms of sciatica?

Besides mild to severe pain down the back of the legs, sciatica can also present other symptoms. These include:

• Numbness: Often felt in the leg or foot along the nerve pathway.
• Tingling sensation: A “pins and needles” feeling in the toes or part of the foot.
• Weakness: Difficulty moving the leg or foot or feeling weakness in these areas.
• Worsened pain with movement: The pain can intensify with specific movements, such as standing up or twisting.

How is sciatica diagnosed?

Diagnosing sciatica calls for a physical examination and a medical history review. Your doctor may perform tests to assess muscle strength and reflexes. Doctors may order for imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRI, or CT to determine the underlying cause of sciatica.

What are the treatment options for sciatica?

Conservative treatment

Most sciatica cases can be treated with conservative methods, which include:

• Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
• Ice and Heat Therapy: Applying ice packs or heating pads can reduce inflammation and pain.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Medications that relieve pain like brufen and acetaminophen can help ease pain and inflammation.

Non-surgical treatments

For those who do not find relief with conservative treatments, minimally invasive options are available:

Pharmacotherapy

Medications can help manage the symptoms of sciatica. These may include:

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): To reduce inflammation and pain.
• Muscle Relaxants: To relieve muscle spasms.
• Antidepressants and Anticonvulsants: Sometimes prescribed for chronic nerve pain.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids injected into the epidural space can reduce inflammation around the nerve roots.

Coreflex injection

Coreflex injections combine corticosteroids with local anaesthetics to relieve longer-lasting pain and reduce inflammation in the affected area.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy is essential for relieving pain and preventing future episodes. A physical therapist can plan a personalised exercise programme to:

• Strengthen the muscles supporting the spine.
• Improve flexibility and posture.
• Reduce pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Disc ablation

Disc ablation is a minimally invasive procedure where a needle is inserted into the damaged disc, and heat is used to destroy the problematic tissue, reducing pressure on the sciatic nerve.

Neuroplasty

Neuroplasty involves injecting medication around the nerve to break up scar tissue and reduce nerve compression. This procedure can relieve pain and improve nerve function significantly.

Surgical treatments

When conservative and minimally invasive treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options include:

• Microdiscectomy: The herniated disc portion pressing on the nerve is removed.
• Laminectomy: This procedure removes part of the vertebra to relieve pressure on the nerve.
• Spinal fusion: Fusing or joining two or more vertebrae to stabilise the spine.

Who is at risk of sciatica?

Certain factors increase the risk of developing sciatica:

• Individuals who are ageing: Age-related wear and tear can affect the spinal structure and function.
• Individuals who are obese: Excess body weight increases stress on the spine.
• Individuals with physically demanding professions: Jobs that require heavy lifting, twisting, or prolonged sitting.
• Individuals who remain seated for extended periods: People who sit for long periods are at risk of developing sciatica.
• Individuals with diabetes: Diabetes can heighten the risk of nerve damage.

Sciatica during pregnancy

Pregnancy can put women at risk of developing sciatica. Sciatica can happen when the extra weight gained during pregnancy increases pressure on the spine, aggravating the sciatic nerve.

Sciatica is also common when ligaments and joints relax, causing pelvic and lower back instability. Hormonal shifts during pregnancy can cause this change. As the pregnancy grows, the centre of gravity shifts, altering posture and adding strain to the lower back.

Sciatica during pregnancy can be managed with conservative treatments such as rest, gentle exercises, and physical therapy, alleviating discomfort and improving mobility.

When to see a doctor

You should seek medical attention if you experience:

• Severe pain that does not get better with self-care measures.
• Pain following a severe injury or accident.
• Numbness or muscle weakness in the leg.
• Difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels.

Sciatica pain treatment in Singapore

Dealing with sciatica is painful, but understanding the condition and knowing the available treatment options can empower you to take control of your health. Early management can prevent further complications and improve your quality of life.

Consult with healthcare professionals to determine a suitable treatment plan for your condition. At Spire Orthopaedic, we help patients manage and overcome sciatica in Singapore. Our treatments range from conservative therapies and minimally invasive procedures to surgical options, ensuring you receive appropriate care for your condition.

Book a consultation today.